Oh, honey, let me tell you, there are some recipes that just stick with you. They become those cozy, comforting meals that bring a smile to everyone’s face, whether it’s a bustling holiday dinner or a relaxed weeknight at home. For me, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is one of those timeless treasures. It conjures up memories of sunny family gatherings, the kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma, and the joy of a simple, yet incredibly satisfying meal. And guess what? It’s so unbelievably easy and quick, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life!
You see, sometimes you just need a dish that delivers big on flavor without demanding hours of your precious time. This ham bake is exactly that – a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with tender ham and juicy pineapple soaking up a gorgeous, caramelized glaze. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look like a kitchen superstar with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
Why You’ll Love Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
- Fast: Ready in under an hour, most of which is passive baking time. Perfect for busy evenings!
- Easy: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps – no culinary degree required!
- Giftable: Yes, really! A warm dish of this ham bake is a wonderful gift for new parents, a sick friend, or a neighbor.
- Crowd-pleasing: The sweet and savory combo appeals to just about everyone, even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful ham bake is a breeze. Most of these are probably already hanging out in your pantry or fridge! We’re talking simple, wholesome goodness here.
- 600 grams (about 1.3 lbs) cooked ham, diced: You can grab a pre-cooked ham steak or even use leftover holiday ham. Dicing it helps every piece soak up that glorious glaze.
- 1 can (570 grams, or about 20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained, reserve 60 milliliters (about 1/4 cup) juice: Don’t toss that juice! It’s the secret weapon for our glaze. Chunks work perfectly here, but rings or crushed pineapple can also do the trick in a pinch.
Sweet and Tangy Glaze
This glaze is pure magic, my friend. It’s what transforms simple ham and pineapple into something extraordinary.
- 110 grams (about 1/2 cup, lightly packed) brown sugar: The star of our sweet show. Dark or light, either works beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard: A little tang to balance the sweetness. Dijon adds a touch of gourmet, while classic yellow mustard gives it that nostalgic, classic feel.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Just a dash for depth and a lovely umami kick.
- 60 milliliters (about 1/4 cup) reserved pineapple juice: Remember that juice we saved? Here’s where it shines, adding natural fruit sweetness and acidity.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional): This is my little secret ingredient for a warm, comforting note. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it, but I highly recommend trying it!
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Always finish with a little seasoning to make all those flavors pop.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Ready to get cooking? You’re just a few simple steps away from a delicious meal!
- Prep Your Oven and Dish: First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to a cozy 190°C (that’s 375°F for us Fahrenheit folks!). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 33×23-centimeter (that’s a standard 9×13-inch) baking dish with some nonstick spray or a little butter. This helps with easy cleanup and ensures nothing sticks.
- Whip Up That Glorious Glaze: Now for the good stuff! Grab a medium-sized bowl and let’s make our incredible glaze. Whisk together your brown sugar, mustard (Dijon or yellow, your choice!), soy sauce, that wonderful reserved pineapple juice, and if you’re feeling a little fancy, the ground cloves. Keep whisking until everything is super smooth and looks beautifully glossy. You want it all combined perfectly.
- Arrange Your Stars: Next, take your diced ham and those juicy, drained pineapple chunks and spread them out evenly in your prepared baking dish. Make sure they’re in a single layer as much as possible so they can all get nicely coated.
- Bathe in Glaze: Pour that irresistible glaze you just made all over the ham and pineapple. Gently stir it around right in the dish, making sure every single piece of ham and every pineapple chunk is thoroughly coated in that sweet and tangy goodness. This is where the magic really starts to happen!
- Bake to Perfection: Pop the uncovered dish into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the ham is heated through, and the edges of the pineapple and ham have started to caramelize into a beautiful golden-brown, glistening perfection. That’s flavor, right there!
- Serve It Up: Once it’s out of the oven, serve it hot! This dish is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic alongside steamed rice, some roasted vegetables, or a crisp, fresh salad. If you’re looking for another delightful sweet and savory dish, you might also love our Pineapple Chicken and Rice. Enjoy every single bite!
Substitutions & Additions
One of the best things about cooking is making a recipe your own! Here are some ideas to shake things up or tailor this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake to your liking:
- Ham Swaps: If you don’t have diced ham, you can use sliced ham or even small pieces of pork loin. Just make sure whatever you use is pre-cooked.
- Pineapple Variations: Crushed pineapple will give you a different texture and spread more evenly, while pineapple rings can be placed neatly over the ham for a classic presentation. Feel free to use fresh pineapple if you have it – just make sure to reserve some juice!
- Spice It Up: Want a little extra zing? Add a pinch of ginger powder to the glaze, or even a tiny dash of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. A sprinkle of cinnamon could also add a warm, cozy twist.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or even some thinly sliced carrots with the ham and pineapple before baking. They’ll soften and soak up the glaze beautifully.
- Sweetener Alternatives: While brown sugar is classic, you could experiment with maple syrup or honey for a slightly different sweetness in the glaze.
- Herbaceous Touch: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro after baking can add a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake turns out absolutely perfect every time, keep these friendly tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure your ham and pineapple are spread out in a single layer in the baking dish. If they’re piled too high, they’ll steam instead of caramelize, and we want that gorgeous golden-brown finish! If you’re doubling the recipe, use a larger dish or two dishes.
- Whisk the Glaze Well: Take your time to really whisk that glaze until it’s smooth. You want the brown sugar to dissolve as much as possible so it coats everything evenly and creates that beautiful, sticky coating.
- Taste Test the Glaze (Carefully!): Before pouring it over everything, taste a tiny bit of your glaze. Does it need a touch more mustard for tang, or a pinch more salt? Adjust to your preference.
- Don’t Overbake: Ham is already cooked, so you’re really just heating it through and caramelizing the glaze. Overbaking can dry out the ham. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes.
- Prep Ahead: This recipe is fantastic for meal planning! You can dice your ham and pineapple ahead of time. You can even mix the glaze a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to bake, just combine and pop it in the oven. This dish is also fantastic for meal prepping! You could even pair it with some freshly baked Buttery Melt-in-Mouth Biscuits for a complete and easy lunch.
- For Extra Caramelization: If you love a really sticky, almost candied glaze, you can pop the dish under the broiler for a minute or two at the very end. Just watch it like a hawk so it doesn’t burn!
If you’re looking to explore other delectable baked goods that pair well with a hearty meal, why not try our Moist Cinnamon Applesauce Bread? It’s another comforting favorite that’s sure to impress!
How to Store Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
This dish is just as delicious the next day, which makes it perfect for leftovers! Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer any leftover ham bake to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this dish! Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the ham bake in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and warm in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker reheat, though the oven will help maintain the caramelized texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will work wonderfully. Just make sure to dice it and still reserve about 1/4 cup of its juice for the glaze to keep that signature flavor.
Q: What kind of ham is best for this recipe?
A: A pre-cooked, fully cooked ham (like a ham steak or a leftover holiday ham) is ideal because it just needs to be heated through. Spiral-cut ham also works great if you dice it up.
Q: Can I prepare the whole dish ahead of time and bake it later?
A: Yes, you can! Assemble the ham and pineapple with the glaze in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before placing it in the oven, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with this ham bake?
A: Steamed rice is a classic pairing, as it soaks up all that delicious glaze. Roasted green beans, mashed potatoes, a simple garden salad, or even some fluffy dinner rolls would also be fantastic!
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Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 33x23-centimeter (9x13-inch) baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Step 2: Whip Up That Glorious Glaze: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, and ground cloves (if using). Whisk until super smooth and glossy.
- Step 3: Arrange Your Stars: Spread the diced ham and drained pineapple chunks evenly in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
- Step 4: Bathe in Glaze: Pour the glaze all over the ham and pineapple. Gently stir it around in the dish, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection: Pop the uncovered dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the edges have started to caramelize and become golden-brown.
- Step 6: Serve It Up: Serve hot. This dish is fantastic alongside steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp, fresh salad.